Abstract
Background
Aerobic exercise is a common nonpharmacological intervention for the management of
obesity. However, the efficacy of isolated aerobic exercise at promoting weight loss
is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy
of isolated aerobic exercise programs in overweight and obese populations.
Methods
We searched for published randomized controlled trial reports of aerobic exercise
through January 20, 2010. Trials with an isolated aerobic exercise intervention were
included. A random-effect model was used to synthesize the results of each intervention.
Results
We identified 14 trials involving 1847 patients. The duration of aerobic exercise
programs ranged from 12 weeks to 12 months. Results were pooled for programs with
6-month duration and programs with 12-month duration. Six-month programs were associated
with a modest reduction in weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]=−1.6 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.64 to −1.56) and waist circumference (WMD=−2.12 cm; 95% CI, −2.81 to −1.44). Twelve-month programs also were associated with
modest reductions in weight (WMD=−1.7 kg; 95% CI, −2.29 to −1.11) and waist circumference (WMD=−1.95 cm; 95% CI, −3.62 to −0.29).
Conclusion
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programs of 6-12 months induce a modest reduction
in weight and waist circumference in overweight and obese populations. Our results
show that isolated aerobic exercise is not an effective weight loss therapy in these
patients. Isolated aerobic exercise provides modest benefits to blood pressure and
lipid levels and may still be an effective weight loss therapy in conjunction with
diets.
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
Funding: This work is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR grant number is 103506). Dr. Eisenberg is a Chercheur-National of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec (FRSQ). Dr. Joseph is a Chercheur-National of the FRSQ. Dr. Pilote is a Chercheur-National of the FRSQ. Dr. Poirier is a Senior Physician-Scientist of the FRSQ. Dr. Schiffrin holds a Canada Research Chair in Vascular and Hypertension Research.
Conflict of Interest: Dr. Genest is on the speaker's bureau for Merck and Astra Zeneca. No other authors have any conflicts of interest.
Authorship: All authors had access to the data and played a role in writing this manuscript.
Identification
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© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
